Switzerland's Steve Guerdat – 2023 European Champion and 2012 Olympic Champion – won the penultimate leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League in Bordeaux this past Sunday, with the 11-year-old Is-Minka. France's 22-year-old Jeanne Sadran and the wonderful Dexter de Kerglenn finished second, followed by Great Britain's 25-year-old Harry Charles and his up-and-coming superstar Sherlock in third.
Culminating in a jump-off between six horse-and-rider-combinations, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ of Bordeaux saw the next generation of showjumping take on some of the world's most experienced riders, with Jeanne Sadran, Harry Charles and Isabella Russekoff battling it out against Steve Guerdat, Roger Yves Bost and Pieter Devos.
With this photo special, we look back at the action in Bordeaux.
All photos © Jenny Abrahamsson for World of Showjumping.
Turning away from the in-gate, the purple plank at fence number seven surprised even some of the best pairs...
...including Sweden's Henrik Von Eckermann – current world number one – who parted ways with Calizi. "I'm relieved and thankful that Calizi and I are doing fine," von Eckermann announced on social media the day after.
Finland's Eveliina Talvio and Glamour finished the first round on eight faults.
Spain's Eduardo Alvarez Aznar and D'Orient Batilly placed 9th after a fast four faults in round one.
Ireland's Jessica Burke and Nikey HH picked up four faults in round one, finishing 8th.
Austria's Katharina Rhomberg and the impressive Colestus Cambridge in action.
It's a family affair: 2012 Olympic team champion Peter walking his son Harry to the ring.
Jumping clear once again, Harry Charles and Sherlock – a pair that won the 7th leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in A Coruna – joined the jump-off to challenge Steve Guerdat.
Another rising star, France's very own Jeanne Sadran and Dexter de Kerglenn joined the jump-off as well – much to the joy of the appreciative Bordeaux-crowds.
Another family affair; Jeanne's mother Sophie Sadran looking on from the sidelines with Vincent Caumartin.
...and celebrating a clear round!
24-year-old Isabella Russekoff was another young female rider to join the jump-off, aboard C Vier 2.
It's a team effort: Isabella Russekoff's groom living every jump with her.
The smile says it all: Isabella Russekoff and C Vier 2 finished 6th in the end, after four faults in the jump-off.
Pieter Devos' home-bred Casual DV Z showed great promise for the future, jumping double clear and ending 4th.
Home hero Roger Yves Bost and Ballerine du Vilpion gave it their best shot in the jump-off.
With a time of 44.39, Bosty had to settle for 5th this time around.
First out in the jump-off, Steve Guerdat and Is-Minka stopped the clock on 40.34 – setting a standard that those to come could not match.
"I’m so proud of my mare and my whole team and it’s a very nice day to remember," Guerdat said after his victory.
The boss of Bordeaux: Steve Guerdat with Is-Minka.
Jeanne Sadran and Dexter de Kerglenn were not going to give up without a fight though, and slotted into second with a time of 41.75.
"I’m more proud of my horse because he’s 11 years old and still young but he is a genius for sure," Jeanne Sadran said.
“I saw Steve and he made it look a lot easier than it was. I thought maybe I could get him but then I realised quickly after the first three jumps I don’t think I’m actually close so just try to leave the jumps up," Harry Charles said about his strategy for the jump-off.
Harry Charles' groom Georgia Ellwood and Sherlock.
Jeanne Sadran with her father Olivier.
Jeanne and Sophie Sadran with Dexter de Kerglenn.
Who run the world? Girls! Jeanne Sadran and Isabella Russekoff.
The winning team: Steve Guerdat's groom Emma Uusi-Simola and Is-Minka.
Saturday's win moved Guerdat up to 5th on the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2023/2024 Western European League standings.
Guerdat thanking the incredible crowd in Bordeaux.
Only got eyes for you: Jeanne Sadran and Dexter de Kerglenn.
Merci Bordeaux!
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